We went shopping yesterday.  I'm looking to make the home nice and comfy for when I get back from GRS.  First on the list was a couch.  Our store of choice is right in the middle of conservative land.  They think GLBT is radio station.

We walked into a store filled with straight couples, many with kids in tow.  We checked out one couch after another, just like any other couple.  And we got some funny looks as we sat there next to each other testing the feel and comfort.  When we spotted "the piece" we were looking for, we immediately sat down on it.  A salesman was sitting on a stool about ten feet away and he started telling us about the features, "The loveseat both rocks and reclines.  The couch only reclines."  So we tried the couch but both agreed we didn't like to sit that far apart (if we were to each use the reclining feature). 

The salesman went to hand us a brochure but hesitated on who to hand it to.  "Who's the decision maker?  The wife or the wife?"    So he kind of put it between us.  We bought the couch, some tables and a painting then left for the mattress store.

We went to Select Comfort because we were curious if the mattress was as great as they advertise.  We walked in to an empty store and the salesman greeted us.  He asked us how he can help and I told him our present mattress was too hard for me and we were looking for something more comfortable.  To his credit, he didn't flinch.  He had us lie down on the first mattress and gave us "pillow napkins" for our heads.  I said I didn't like the first one so he took us to the next one up the line.  Again we both laid down as he adjusted the bed sides.  I laid on my side and did what I'd normally do when getting ready to sleep.  While we were laying there some other customers walked in.  We did what any other couple would do and kept checking out the mattresses.

Then he took us to the next better one which was close to what I was looking for.  My fiance asked the price and he told us it was on sale for $2,699.  YIKES!  And more customers walked in.  I guess no one wants to walk into an empty store but as soon as there are other customers in it...

The salesman gave us a quote and told us it was good until April 4th (like we couldn't get it for the same price a month later!) and we left.  As we headed for Macy's we decided the slightly better comfort didn't justify dropping over two grand for a mattress.  And we tossed the proposal in the trash as we walked into Macy's

My fiance has been with me on several occasions as I searched in vain for the perfect watch.  I'm a one watch person so I wanted something for every occasion.  The watch on my wrist was a four years old Timex I paid $35 for and the plating inside was worn and it was leaving black rings on my wrist.  We looked at several watches and the sales ladies were all over us.  Then I saw something I loved but it was more than I was ready to pay.  My fiance offered to buy it for me (what a sweetheart!) but I said no and decided to buy it myself.  I told the sales lady I'd take it and she asked how I was paying. Visa, I told her.

As we moved over to the checkout area the saleslady prepped the watch, removed a link and came back to fit it to my wrist.  My fiance was there and handed the lady her credit card.  It was obvious she was buying the watch for me.  Naturally I was gushing and put my arm around her in a show of affection. 

We really expected a lot more funny or surprised looks, if for no other reason than we were in straightsville, but we hardly got any.  Either that or we just didn't notice.  Maybe the world really is changing.

Julie

That was lovely! Be nice to think the world is changing for the better...

Yes, the world is changing, but had you been two guys the reactions would likely have been more of what you expected.

Still a very good sign and it sounds like you had fun. 

That is so sweet, Hon.  She certainly loves you.  And who gives a flip what anyone else thinks. 

And if you to are having troubles on selecting a mattress.  The Select Comfort is well worth the expense.  My ex and I had one, she has it now, and I loved it.  If I need less support I could change it.  If I needed more, change it.

If I can ever get another mattress, it will be a Select Comfort.  I am sold on them.